Nurse Navigator

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming.
You don’t have to face it alone. We can help!

A diagnosis of cancer brings many challenges for patients and loved ones. It is common to feel overwhelmed by the amount of new information, the number of decisions to be made concerning treatment and care or where to go for assistance.

Wilmot Cancer Center’s Nurse Navigator service can help you and your family obtain the information, knowledge, support, and guidance needed to manage a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Knowing your options is the first step in cancer treatment.

Nurse Navigators at the Wilmot Cancer Institute are registered nurses with oncology expertise who work closely with new patient referrals: 

• Every patient has access to our nurse navigators free of charge.
• The nurse navigators review your current needs and assess your medical history using extensive knowledge, specialized skills and sound clinical judgement to initiate a personalized experience at Wilmot. 

Your navigator will: 

• Teach and reinforce information regarding your treatment
  • Explain medical terms and processes
• Serve as a liaison to your multidisciplinary team and as an advocate for you and your family
  • Coordinate appointments before treatment begins
  • Ensure consistent communication between treatment teams during active treatment 
  • Advocate for referrals for support services such as support groups, transportation, financial assistance and other concerns
  • Act as a central contact for patients and voice questions to your doctor and team
• Plan for possible side effects and how to manage the symptoms
• Provide psychological and emotional support

To contact a nurse navigator, please call the nurse navigator that specializes in your care:

Meet Our Navigation Team

	Melissa Sayles, R.N. Lung and Esophageal Cancer Nurse Navigator phone number: 585-276-5150 Navigator for patients with: lung cancer esophageal cancer
	Wendy Linville, B.S., Health & Human Services Lung and Esophageal Cancer Patient Navigator phone number: 585-275-1509 Navigator for patients with: lung cancer esophageal cancer
	Sue Fowler, R.N., B.S.N. Gastrointestinal Cancer Nurse Navigator phone number: 585-275-5863 Navigator for patients with: pancreatic cancer

For more information, click to read "In the Chaos of Diagnosis, Nurse Navigators Clear a Path for Care".